Meghan Markle's Response to the Revival of 'Suits': Recognizing the Timelessness of Good TV
Meghan Markle praises the enduring success of 'Suits' and commends the remarkable team behind the hit show, acknowledging its widespread streaming popularity
Meghan Markle expressed her surprise at the sudden popularity of Suits, just like the rest of us. During an interview at Variety's Power of Women event on Thursday, November 16, the 42-year-old actress weighed in on the show's streaming success. When informed that the USA Network series has accumulated over 45 billion minutes of streaming on Netflix and Peacock combined, Markle exclaimed, "Isn't that incredible?"
Markle, known for her role as paralegal Rachel Zane on the show from 2011 to 2018, expressed confusion regarding the resurgence of fan interest in Suits. Speculating on possible reasons, she surmised, "Perhaps it's because it's rare to find a show these days that allows for extensive binge-watching. However, exceptional shows have a timeless appeal." Speaking fondly of her time working on the legal drama, Markle effused, "It was a pleasure being a part of it, with an amazing ensemble cast and crew. We had a genuinely enjoyable experience."
Suits ran for nine seasons, with Markle departing after season 7 due to her relationship with Prince Harry gaining momentum. The announcement of their engagement came in November 2017, followed by their royal wedding at St George's Chapel in London in May 2018.
Markle shared the screen with Patrick J. Adams, Gabriel Macht, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres, and others in Suits, which became available for streaming earlier this year. As its popularity grew among a new audience, creator Aaron Korsh contemplated on the influence of Markle's royal status on the show while it was on air.
Meghan Markle discusses ‘Suits’ at AOL Studios in New York on March 17, 2016. Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic
Korsh playfully teased during an August interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, "I mean, your immediate response is like, 'We're all dating a prince!'"
Markle, who was still involved in acting at the time, and the 39-year-old Duke of Sussex made their relationship public in 2016. Korsh mentioned that the Suits team received a message from the palace regarding the show's dialogue.
"[The royal family] had some input," he stated. "Not many things, but a few things that we had planned but couldn't do, and it was a bit annoying."
Korsh recounted a proposed scene featuring Rachel and Mike Ross (Adams) where Markle's character would utter the word "poppycock," which reportedly did not sit well with the royals. "Therefore, we had to change it to 'bulls--t' instead of 'poppycock,'" he explained. "I wasn't pleased because I had already informed my extended family that [poppycock] would be in the show. There may have been one or two more instances, but I cannot recall them."
Ever since stepping down as senior working royals in March 2020, fans have been curious about whether Markle will return to acting. Executive producer Gene Klein hinted in August that a Suits reboot might be possible, but he doesn't expect Markle to come back. "I assume it's unlikely," he told TV Line. (Deadline recently reported that a Suits spinoff is being developed with NBCUniversal.)
Markle has been actively involved in the entertainment industry since her departure from the Suits universe. In September 2020, she secured a multi-year deal with Netflix. As part of this collaboration, a six-part docuseries called Harry & Meghan was premiered on the platform last year. Furthermore, the couple has a multitude of other projects in progress.
Markle expressed her enthusiasm for the future endeavors, revealing that there are numerous exciting projects in the works. While she could not disclose specific details at the time, she expressed her pride in the creative content they are developing. Markle noted that her husband shares in her excitement, adding that they are thoroughly enjoying the process.
